RN - Surgery

Job Title: RN

Home Department: Surgery

Reports To: Director of Surgery

Direct Reports: None

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The RN is responsible for providing care in the ambulatory setting directed toward meeting both the psychosocial and physical needs of the patient. Utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, direct, administer and evaluate evidence based, outcome oriented patient care. Participates in decision making activities related to nursing practices and is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment.

General Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities

• Performs accurate and complete assessment of surgery patients: admission assessment, pre-operative assessment, intraoperative assessment, pain assessment, immediate post-operative assessment.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates the effectiveness of learning including: pre- operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and discharge planning/instructions.
• Prioritizes care of each patient and overall patient load; utilizes other departments to provide interdisciplinary care as appropriate; cares for the patient in the immediate post-operative care unit.
• Prepares and administers pre-operative medications including antibiotics and sedation medications; starts intravenous lines for medications and surgical fluids; properly labels medications to be used during the surgical procedure; gives medications appropriately in the PACU as needed.
• Assesses the effectiveness of pain medications; revises plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment as appropriate.
• Provides Pre/Post op care in Surgical Admissions and PACU.
• Circulator in the Operating Room.
• Checks OR/SA/PACU equipment including monitors, crash cart, glucometer, DVT preventions equipment, sterilizers and warming units as assigned and per protocol; implements OR fire safety policy if required; accurately pulls and sets up for surgical procedures and alerts others of special needs not available at the time of pulling; operates all equipment in the OR needed for surgical procedures such as ESU units, lights, tables, monitors, and warming devices.
• Ensures documentation is complete, accurate and timely.
• Performs all aspects of the position in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors; utilizes established hand-off communication protocols; maintains the security of the department.
• Complies with all established safety procedures to ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

Certification/Licensure Requirements

• Current IL RN License Required
• BLS Required
• ACLS Required within 6 months
• PALS Required within 1 year

Experience Requirements

Call Requirements

Computer Skills

Additional Skills

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work independently in a team environment
• Excellent ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to changes in assignment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills